Philomela: Act 5, Scene 2

James Dillon (b. 1950) is a Scottish-born, self-taught composer whose music has received considerable attention from contemporary music ensembles over the last two decades. Philomela, inspired by Ovid and Sophocles, was premièred in Oporto in September 2004. Set to Dillon’s own libretto, Philomela is based on the myth of the Princess of Athens’ tragedy: her rape and torture by Tereus and subsequent weaving of the story. Whether opera or musical theatre, his score gives us an original and intense reading somewhere between Baroque and Noh theatre. A major contemporary lyrical success.